Bowflex SelectTech ST2080 Barbell Review
The Bowflex SelectTech ST2080 Barbell is the most recent addition to Bowflex’s lineup of adjustable weights that utilize its patented SelectTech adjustable-weight system.
SelectTech is a system that allows you to select different weights by just turning a dial and locking in whatever weight you choose.
Following in the footsteps of Bowflex’s highly successful SelectTech 552 and 1090 adjustable dumbbells, the Bowflex SelectTech ST2080 now incorporates that adjustability in a barbell and curl bar form.
One of the main benefits of all of the Bowflex SelectTech products is their space-saving design.
The SelectTech 2080 barbell replaces 14 weight plates as it easily adjusts from 20 pounds to 80 pounds in 10-pound increments.
This adjustable barbell system does not come cheap and isn’t for everyone. If you have a home gym setup with ample space like in your garage for instance, then this barbell system might not be for you.
However, if you live in an apartment or simply want to have fast and easy access to weights for a quick workout, the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 fits the bill.
In this review of the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell with Curl Bar attachment, I discuss its features, usability, durability, and price to see if it’s worthy of a spot in your home gym.
Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell with Curl Bar
The best feature of the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Adjustable Barbell is that it takes up very little space and easily fits under most beds.
Bowflex has been producing amazing fitness products since 1986 and they are a company that stands behind their products.
The SelectTech 2080 barbell is no exception. Both the barbell and curl bar attachment along with the cradle are fully covered under a three-year warranty.
This barbell with curl bar attachment does have its limitations however and isn’t for everyone.
What are these limitations? I’ll tell you next as I take a look at the features of the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 adjustable barbell.
Features of the Bowflex 2080 Barbell
Here are some of the important features of the Bowflex 2080 Barbell adjustable weight system:
- Space-Saving Design
The dimensions of the barbell in its cradle base are roughly 59 inches long by 11.7 inches wide by 12.7 inches tall. At basically 5 feet in length, it can fit easily out of the way in a very small space.
- Weight Selection Dials
Easily change the weights on the end of the barbell or curl bar by placing the bar in the cradle. Then you can select how much weight you want by simply turning the dial.
- Seven Weight Settings
There are seven weight settings on the 80-pound barbell and eleven weight settings when you upgrade to 120 pounds. The plates go up in 10-pound increments.
- Offers Weight Upgrade Option
You can add on an additional 40 pounds by upgrading.
- Easy To Use
You can easily re-rack the barbell in the cradle base and easily transition to the curl bar.
- Trainer-Led Barbell and Curl Bar Videos
You can follow along with 14 different trainer-led technique videos.
- Durable and Quality Design
The barbell and curl bar both feature textured, metal grips and durable molding surrounding the plates for quiet weight transitions
- Three-Year Warranty
Who is the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell For?
The Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell is for people that want fast access to weights and want to store those weights in an inconspicuous place.
The SelectTech’s total weight tops out at 120 pounds when you add on the additional 40-pound plate upgrade.
If you’re an advanced weightlifter then this curl bar might not be challenging enough for you.
However, a good percentage of the population would find 80 or 120 pounds quite sufficient in terms of growing and maintaining some muscle during their workouts.
I guess it depends on your fitness goals. If you’re not looking to put on a ton of muscle but want a nice and lean, toned body, then this curl bar would be a great addition to your workouts.
Speaking of workouts, what types of workouts can you incorporate using the ST2080 barbell?
Usability and Exercises Using the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell
What kind of exercises can you do with the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell? Many.
In fact here are just 14 of the exercises that you can do with the Bowflex 2080 Barbell with their included videos from Bowflex.
- Deadlift
- Back Squat
- Side Lunge
- Shrug
- Overhead Press
- Lunge
- Front Raise
- Barbell Bent Row
- Bench Press
- Barbell Biceps Curl
- Curl Bar Biceps Curl
- Curl Bar Bent Row
- Skull Crusher
- Pull Over
That’s a lot of exercises that you can do from the comfort of your living room or bedroom.
The Durability of the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell
The one thing that you won’t be able to do with the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell is to drop it on the ground the same way you would a traditional barbell.
However, that isn’t this barbell’s audience. Most of its users will be using it indoors in a house or apartment setting where dropping weights on the floor wouldn’t be a good idea.
Having used the SelectTech 1090 adjustable weights for a few years now I can tell you that Bowflex SelectTech weights are pretty durable.
I am guilty of not putting them back in their cradles so gently especially after my arms are jello from too many reps.
This hasn’t affected them whatsoever, I expect the 2080 Barbell to feature similar durability.
Price of the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Adjustable Barbell
The easy convenient and space-saving design of the Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell does come at a premium price.
At the time of this review, the price of the ST2080 is around $549. If you add the additional 40-pound upgraded plate set that will set you back another $149.
They’re not cheap.
Like any other major purchase, you need to think about the cost over time. If you’re not a gym person and like working out from your home then the ST2080 will pay for itself over time.
Alternative
Are there alternatives to the ST2080? There aren’t any similar dial-system barbells on the market but you might look into something similar to the ST2080 Barbell in a traditional barbell or curl bar.
The RUNWE Adjustable Barbell and Dumbell set is a low-priced alternative to the Bowflex ST2080 Barbell. It has drawn some nice reviews and is pretty durable.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
With a weight range of up to 100 pounds and solid steel plates coated with polyethylene, this is your next best option for an adjustable barbell set outside of the Bowflex line of products.
Final Verdict
The Bowflex SelectTech ST2080 Adjustable Barbell is a good option if you want quick and convenient access to a decent range of weight in the comfort of your house.
Easy-to-store and the convenience of all the weights stored on the bar or in the cradle are some of the main selling points of this adjustable barbell system
The barbell and cradle are around 5 feet long and a little over a foot tall, so you can store this system under your bed or in the closet.
The weight change dial system allows you to seamlessly move from one weight to the next without having to take off weight collars as you would with a traditional barbell.
The barbell and cradle take the place of many different loose weight plates and keeps unused plates stored in the cradle.
This adjustable barbell set isn’t for everyone and is limited by the amount of weight that it can hold. However, for most people 80 to 120 pounds of weight is plenty to get a great workout.
If you’re in the market for a weight set option for your home that doesn’t take up a lot of space then you should definitely consider the Bowflex ST2080 Adjustable Barbell with Curl Bar attachment.
- Adjusts from 20 to 80 pounds
- 20 pounds barbell and 20 pounds curl bar included
- Upgrade to 120 pounds (4 additional weights)
- 7 Weight Settings Per Bar (20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 pounds)
- 3-year Warranty
- Included Components: Two Weight Bars And Weight Plates
- Sport Type: Weightlifting